Romans Road Detour

by Todie West

  “So I don’t have to?”

  “You’re not going to go to Hell if you don’t, no. But yes, you should get baptized. If you believe Jesus is God’s Son, that you are forgiven because of His death and resurrection, then yes, you should be baptized. It is a symbol of dying to your sin and being brought back to life by Jesus’ death and resurrection. But for those watching, you are telling them that this is what you believe and that you now belong to Jesus.”

  “Well, then, let’s do it, I guess.”

  “Have you ever been to a baptism at Orchard Christian?”

  “Not since I was a kid. And I don’t remember anything, except you have that tank behind the podium. Is the water cold?”

  “Oh, it’s not bad. What I need to tell you is, we like to have everyone who is baptized give us a little testimony.”

  “Testimony?”

  “Yes. Just tell us a little about yourself, about how you came to receive Christ as your Savior. It’s all very informal, whatever you want to share.”

  “I hope I don’t get too nervous.”

  “You’ll be fine. I’ve seen you in action, and when you’re passionate about something, you have no problem expressing your true feelings.”

  “When did you see me do that?”

  “At the School Board hearing, for one. You are a great teacher, a wonderful speaker. A natural. You have a gift. Just think of it as teaching someone who is there about Jesus, someone who may not have taken the step and, when they hear about your experiences, they just might want to give Jesus a try.”

  “Be Jesus to the lost.”

  “Right.”

  “Okay, I’ll do it.”

  Later that day, Brad and Marnie met with Pastor Dan. Michael was unaware that they, too, felt the pastor was talking to them about being baptized, despite the fact that they had been baptized as teenagers.

  “Brad and Marnie, right?

  “That’s right.” Brad extended his hand.

  “And who’s this little cutie?”

  “This is Katy.”

  “Hello, Katy. How old is she?”

  “Almost three.”

  “So you want to be baptized. Michael told me you were baptized at youth camp.”

  “I’m surprised he remembered me telling him that. It was so long ago. Marnie and I were both baptized at the same time, I think we were what, fourteen?” Brad turned to Marnie.

  “Just before freshman year.”

  “I for one don’t think I knew what I was doing. I was just following the crowd. And after listening to your sermon on Sunday, Marnie and I both decided we needed to recommit our lives to the Lord in front of the congregation.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. Has Katy been dedicated?”

  “No. I’m embarrassed to say.”

  “Well, we can do that the same day, if you’d like.”

  “Would you do that?” asked Marnie.

  “Absolutely.”

  “It doesn’t give us much time to invite your folks. I know they would love to be here.” Marnie noted.

  “I bet they’ll find a way to be here,” answered Brad.

  “We can do it another time,” Pastor Dan suggested.

  “No, I’ll give them a call. I know they would want us to do it as soon as possible, even if they aren’t able to come.”

  “We can have someone video tape it,” Marnie stated.

  “Let’s do it. I’ll call them right away so they can make plans.”

  “Okay, so you both will be given an opportunity for a short testimony before you are baptized.”

  “We have to talk in front of the group?”

  “It really makes it more meaningful for everyone, and a good witness to those who haven’t made the step toward salvation, someone who might have had some of the same experiences as you.”

  “Well, I don’t think we have much of a testimony, other than the fact that we have been so wrapped up in ourselves,” Brad explained.

  “That’s a testimony. That’s everyone’s testimony, to some degree. It’s always about giving up of self and turning everything over to the Lord.”

  “That’s true. What do you think, Marnie? I’m game.”

  “Sure. I can do it.”

  “Okay, then we’ll have the baby dedication first and then the baptism.”

  “Katy’s not exactly a baby anymore,” Brad noted as Katy climbed up onto his mother’s lap.”

  “Better late than never,” Dan responded. “You know Michael is being baptized, too?”

  “I didn’t know that, but I could have guessed. Won’t he be surprised when he sees us.”

  “He doesn’t know you’re being baptized, either?” asked Marnie.

  “I haven’t talked to him since we decided. Maybe I’ll keep it quiet and see his reaction.”

  “I love surprises,” Marnie responded.

  * * *

  Michael spent the spare moments of his cool spring days in the backyard with Sam, teaching him how to behave. Retrieving came naturally to the five-month old pup. He was pretty much house trained before he came to live with Michael. Sam was a very smart dog, just like his dad.

  * * *

  Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and that means whatever, even flipping burgers. Michael could almost hear his mother saying those words. It wasn’t Michael’s dream job but, because of his job performance, Michael was offered a management position.

  “I’m flattered, Bill, but this is really only temporary. I’m a teacher. I’m going back to school in the fall. Sorry.”

  Michael also kept busy helping the neighbors clean up their yards. Even though his original intent was to make a little cash, he found himself doing it for free. He didn’t have the heart to take their money.

  Roy had dropped off the Constitution videos sometime after the first of the year, but Michael had totally forgotten about them. The night before his baptism, Michael ran across the tapes when he was cleaning up the living room. That night he began watching them, and it was 2 a.m. before he finished. His mind began spinning from what he had learned about the foundation of his country, things that were not taught in school, now or even when he was a student. And he knew it was not propaganda, because the evidence was all there, either sculpted into a monument or written on the original papers and signed in the forefathers’ own handwriting. It could not be denied.

  Michael tossed and turned the rest of the night. He woke up the next morning with a gnawing feeling in his gut that he had to do something with what he had learned.

  After taking Sam for a walk, Michael sat down and read some of the pamphlets and books that accompanied the videos. He took out his Bible and confirmed many of the scriptures.

  * * *

  Brad’s parents were thrilled about the baptism and baby dedication, but it was a bit short notice so they were unable to attend. Marnie’s parents were now living in Oregon and her dad hurt his back so they could not attend, either. Jason had agreed to come and videotape the event.

  There was no sermon on this particular Sunday, as the nine missionaries were given an opportunity to share a slide show of the children, as well as the progress that was made on the renovation of the orphanage building by several of the missionaries. Each of the nine gave a short testimony of their six months in Ecuador. Michael was a bit uncomfortable and tried not to think about how his mother should be one of the speakers. As they spoke, he realized that she was there, speaking through them. She had such an impact on them that all nine mentioned her in their speeches, and they showed a couple of pictures of her from the very start of their trip. Michael even saw a picture of the woman who sat next to his mother on the plane, the one she had led down Roman’s Road.

  The emotions ran deep. Michael was touched especially by Araceli’s sweet spirit, as she shared again about his mother. He was equally moved by the pictures of Araceli and the children in the orphanage. As she spoke, it was as if Michael coul
d see right into her heart, and there he saw Jesus. When he had first met her at the going away party, all he noticed was her outward beauty which, at the time, he resisted because he didn’t want to get involved with a Bible thumper. Now she was even more beautiful, because he could see behind her enchanting, dark brown eyes, smooth, olive complexion, and intoxicating smile.

  As Araceli returned to her seat, she looked directly at Michael and smiled. He sheepishly smiled back.

  Katy stayed with the other 2 and 3 year olds until it was time for her dedication. As her mother carried her into the sanctuary, Katy eyed her father and yelled “Daddy.” The congregation erupted in laughter.

  Pastor Dan opted not to try and hold the rambunctious toddler during the dedication, as it only worked with sleeping infants. Katy squirmed back and forth, unable to decide whether she wanted her daddy or her mommy to hold her. First Pastor Dan introduced the family and then asked the questions. To the parents, “Do you, Brad and Marnie, agree to bring this child up in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, protecting her and teaching her truth through God’s Word?”

  “We do,” the Wharton’s replied.

  “And Congregation, do you agree to be a true church family to Katy and help her to grow in the knowledge of the Lord?”

  “We do.”

  Brad whispered in Pastor Dan’s ear and Pastor Dan handed him a microphone.

  “Marnie and I are happy to call you all family. And so …. we thought you should be the first to know … and we haven’t even told our own parents … we will be back here next year dedicating our new baby.”

  The congregation applauded. Michael and Jason looked at each other, and shrugged their shoulders and smiled.

  “Congratulations, you two.” Pastor Dan gave all three of them a hug.

  Katy miraculously stayed calm throughout the prayer and then Marnie returned her to her Sunday school room. Then she, Brad, and Michael went to prepare for their baptisms. When Michael saw Brad and Marnie leave with Katy, he was oblivious to their plan. When Brad came into the changing room, Michael still thought he was there to wish him well. But then Brad also began changing into a baptismal gown. Michael looked puzzled for a second, then he gave Brad a huge smile and they hugged each other. It was one of those moments where words were not necessary.

  First to be baptized was a single mom and her 10 year old daughter. Marnie was next. In her testimony she spoke of her selfishness, how sorry she was that she had turned her back on God and that she wanted to recommit her life to Him and be a godly wife and mother. Brad wiped a tear and hugged his wife as she exited the tank. It was his turn. His testimony was similar. He had never done drugs, he drank a little bit too much beer sometimes, he found the sofa more comfortable than sitting in church on Sunday morning, which drew a few laughs, but worst of all, he was trying to live life without God. He knew better and thanked Pastor Dan and Michael’s mother for their faithful witness to Michael, because it was the changes Brad saw in his friend that changed his heart. Michael was touched. And he was next.

  “I started going to church when I was 8 years old, with my mother, many of you knew her, Bessie Webster. I went to every Sunday morning service, Sunday night, Wednesday night, ate at every potluck and, as you probably know, my mom made the best apple pie.”

  The congregation again laughed.

  “I worked rummage sales, I helped feed the homeless. I memorized a whole lot of scriptures.” He paused. “But I never did any of it because I wanted to. I did it because my mom asked me to. I was angry with God, because he took my dad from me when I was 8. And I didn’t exactly make life easy for my mom during my teen years. I take full responsibility for her gray hair.”

  The congregation chuckled again.

  “I couldn’t wait to move out, go away to college, not have to answer to anyone. And, of course, I quit going to church. My mother never preached; she just loved me anyway. My heart had become so hard that I rejected anything that had to do with God. I became downright cynical at the mention of His name. Then He zapped me again. He took my mother from me. She said He called her to Ecuador, so she was obedient and went, and then she came home in a casket.” Michael held back the tears. “Even listening to Araceli’s story about my mom leading a stranger to the Lord on the plane to Ecuador couldn’t phase my bitterness towards God. In fact it made me even more angry at the time. Then, to make a long story short, just a few weeks after burying my mother, I lost my job, and had a mental breakdown. At that dark moment I was too embarrassed to call my two best friends, but I knew I needed help, so I called Pastor Dan. I want to thank him, and all of you, for your patience with me, and my friends, Brad and Jason, and Marnie, and especially the Lord. Now I want to commit my life to Him and see where He takes me.”

  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” Pastor Dan covered Michael’s nose and immersed him in the cleansing pool. Michael felt like he was truly born again and, as he rose from the water, the congregation applauded vigorously.

  Pastor Dan said a final prayer and then announced, “I hope you all will stay following the service for a reception in honor of our missionaries, and welcome all of these saints into the family.”

  The entire congregation lingered for the refreshments and fellowship. Michael was genuinely receptive to the outpouring of love, and even the hugs. He visited with Brad, Marnie, and Jason for several minutes.

  “I got it all on video.”

  “Really? I thought you were just going to tape the baby dedication.”

  “Oh, no. This is one you’re going to want to remember for the rest of your life. I’ll get you a copy.”

  “Thanks…. for everything.”

  Brad and Marnie were surrounded by church ladies, all wanting to squeeze the cheeks of their little girl. Jason struck up a conversation with a young lady who was serving punch.

  Michael sought out all of the nine missionaries, to thank them for their service and especially their kind words about his mother. One missionary in particular he really wanted to meet. He hoped she wouldn’t hold it against him that he tried to ignore her six months earlier. To his surprise she was seeking him out as well. He was drawn to her glowing beauty, which went beyond her outward appearance.

  Before the reception was over, Michael and Araceli had become quite attached. Araceli knew a lot about Michael through his mother, and Michael hoped she wouldn’t hold any of that against him. Surely she would understand he was now a different person. All he knew about Araceli was that some of her family still lived in South American, that she was bilingual, and that she had just spent six months working in an orphanage in Ecuador.

  Michael didn’t want to sound like a prosecutor with all his questions, but he wanted to know everything he could about this young lady. Araceli was on the same mission. They agreed to continue their meeting at the Coffee Shack.

  “You went to Sac State, too?”

  “Yeah, I just received my credential last spring. I took a year off, because I knew it would be difficult to go on a mission trip after I got a full-time job. It was something I had wanted to do for a long time, and would like to do again, if I ever get the chance. When the Ecuador opportunity came up, the timing was perfect and I put my career on hold for a year. Now I’m just hanging out with my brother and his kids for the next few months, filling out applications.”

  “Do your brother and his family go to church, too?”

  “He still goes to the Catholic Church.”

  “Where do you want to work?”

  “I don’t know if I want to work at a public school.”

  “You know, that’s something I’ve been struggling with, too.”

  “I did my student teaching at an elementary school in Sacramento and I just felt, being a Christian, I would be limited on what I can say and do.”

  “Funny you should mention that.”

  “Yeah, I heard about your School Board hearing, that it had something to do
with the Bible or God? I only got bits and pieces of the story. What happened?”

  Michael proceeded to replay the three weeks following his mother’s death, starting with the quotes on the blackboard.

  “Did you think it might be your mother’s ghost?”

  “The thought did cross my mind. It was very strange, and it got stranger as time went on.” He went over every detail, describing Roy’s testimony and how “every quote can be traced back to our founding fathers, including George Washington and Christopher Columbus.”

  “The janitor wrote the stuff?”

  “Yep.”

  “And they fired you?”

  “Yep. And they fired him, too. Anyway, if I do teach at a public school, I’ll never be able to teach in this District anyway because of what happened.”

  “That’s such a waste.”

  “Even if I do get a job teaching in another public school somewhere, am I going to be walking on egg shells, having to watch what I say so I don’t offend anyone?”

  “I don’t get how anyone can be offended by mentioning a loving God, or teaching kids right from wrong, like murder, or stealing.”

  “Yeah, did you know they used to teach from the Bible years ago? That was their literature book.”

  “I think Pastor Dan had mentioned that in a sermon once. Is it true?”

  “It sure is. Even my mom said the Ten Commandments were posted in her mother’s classroom when she was a girl.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  “Did you talk to the janitor?”

  “Yeah, he came to see me one day and loaned me some videos.”

  “What kind of videos?”

  “One has all those quotes, plus a lot more, and where they came from and who said them.”

  “That sounds interesting.”

  “There’s another video that explains where we have been, and where we are going if we don’t do something, fast.”

  “What can we do? You saw what happened when you tried to fight the School Board.”

  “That’s what kept me up last night, tossing and turning. I don’t believe that we, as Christians, are supposed to stay quiet and wait for the stones to cry out, so to speak. I think we need to stand up for truth, even if it means losing your job.”